Ant worker size manipulation experiment

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Method synopsis

Experimental removal of workers of specific sizes from ant colonies to test effects on subsequent reproductive output. Workers were collected, measured, and selectively removed or returned to test size distribution effects.

Synthesized from method descriptions across 1 paper using this protocol.

Procedure as described in the canonical source

Steps below were extracted from the paper that introduces this protocol — The relationship between the distribution of worker sizes and new worker production in the ant Formica neorufibarbis (2002), Oecologia. Implementations in other papers (listed below) may differ.

1. Locate and assign nests to treatments
   Nests were assigned to colonies by marking workers in different nests with different colors using acrylic paint pen. Colonies were defined as the set of nests within which workers were found over a 1-week period.
   Quantities: 52 total colonies studied, with colonies assigned to size classes based on dry mass of five sets of eight workersDuration: 1-week observation period for defining coloniesConditions: Before queens laid eggs to avoid measurement error due to incorrect nest assignment
   Equipment: acrylic paint pen
2. Collect and measure workers for manipulation experiment
   Haphazardly collected 45 workers from each colony shortly before queens laid eggs. Workers were assigned to size classes based on head widths measured in 0.02-mm intervals by using a 10x hand lens to compare workers to cardboard cards with previously measured specimens glued to them.
   Quantities: 45 workers per colony from manipulation experiment coloniesDuration: Single collection event per colonyConditions: Shortly before queens laid eggs
   Equipment: 10x hand lens, cardboard cards, previously measured specimens
3. Apply worker removal treatments
   For treatment colonies, removed 15 workers proportionally from all size classes leaving the distribution of worker sizes relatively unchanged. For control colonies, removed 15 largest workers from the sample and returned the remaining workers to the colony.

Typical Equipment

• acrylic paint pen
• 10x hand lens
• cardboard cards

Output Measurements

• cocoon production
• worker biomass production
• treatment effects

Papers Using This Protocol (1)

Species Studied With This Protocol

Places Where Used